🐾 Selkirk Rex: The Cat with Curls, Charm & a Laid-Back Heart 🐾

Fluffy, plush, and delightfully curly, the Selkirk Rex is often called the “cat in sheep’s clothing.” With its teddy bear looks, easygoing personality, and soft curls from whiskers to tail, this breed is perfect for cat lovers who want a sweet, quirky companion with a dash of humor.

🌍 Origins and History

The Selkirk Rex is one of the youngest natural Rex breeds. It all began in 1987 when a curly-coated kitten named Miss DePesto (nicknamed “Pest”) was born in Montana, USA, in a litter of otherwise normal kittens. She caught the eye of Persian breeder Jeri Newman, who realized this curly coat was a new natural mutation, unrelated to other Rex breeds like the Cornish or Devon Rex.

To develop the breed, Pest was bred with a Persian, and the curly gene proved dominant. The breed was named “Selkirk” after Jeri Newman’s stepfather — making it the only cat breed named after a person!

🐈 Appearance

The Selkirk Rex’s curls and cuddly build make it look like a living plush toy.

Key features:

• Medium to large, solid body with heavy boning and a chunky frame.
• Soft, plush coat that can be long or short, always with loose, unstructured curls or waves.
• Rounded head with big, expressive round eyes and full cheeks.
• The curls extend to the whiskers — sometimes they look like little corkscrews!
• Comes in all coat colors and patterns — including solids, tabbies, calicos, and points.

Unlike other Rex breeds with sleek bodies, the Selkirk is sturdy and fluffy — think Persian-like plushness with extra curls.

😻 Personality and Temperament

The Selkirk Rex is known for its sweet, patient, and laid-back personality — a true cuddle buddy.

Why people adore them:

• Gentle and affectionate, they love to be near their humans.
• Playful but not hyper, they enjoy interactive toys but are just as happy lounging.
• Good with children and other pets, thanks to their tolerant nature.
• Quiet to moderately vocal, they’ll “chat” softly when they have something to say.
• Often described as clowns, they have a goofy, good-natured vibe.

They are often compared to a mix of Persian calmness, British Shorthair sturdiness, and Exotic Shorthair charm, topped with unique curls.

🧼 Care and Grooming

Despite the curls, the Selkirk Rex is relatively easy to care for, but they do need regular brushing.

Care tips:

• Brush 1–2 times a week to prevent tangles — use a wide-toothed comb for gentle detangling.
• Avoid over-brushing, as it can flatten the curls.
• Bathe occasionally if needed to keep the coat fresh.
• Keep nails trimmed and ears clean.
• Maintain good dental hygiene.

They’re generally healthy, but responsible breeders test for polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — both conditions inherited from Persians and British Shorthairs.

🏡 Ideal Home

The Selkirk Rex fits beautifully into many households.

Perfect for:

• Families with kids and other pets.
• Singles or couples who want a relaxed, affectionate cat.
• Owners who love the idea of a low-key lap cat with a playful streak.
• Cat parents ready to do gentle coat care.

They thrive indoors, where they can nap in cozy beds, play a bit, and soak up attention.

The Selkirk Rex is an adorable blend of soft curls, sturdy build, and gentle temperament. If you’re looking for a cat that’s as sweet as it is unique, the Selkirk is a curly delight ready to warm your lap — and your heart.